BCA Month Mover & Shaker: Uzma Yunus

Uzma Yunus, originally from Pakistan, is an American doctor who used her vast experience in the medical field to detect her breast cancer through self-examination. This month, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness, she reflects upon the journey she took while overcoming cancer.

How was the cancer initially detected?

One month before my breast cancer was diagnosed; I had seen my doctor with a normal mammogram and a normal ultrasound of my breasts. However, I did have an area of firmness in my left breast that felt unusual. My doctor reassured me but my heart kept questioning the tests. Being a physician myself, I was well-trained in performing breast examinations. Two weeks after the tests, I found a lump in my armpit upon self-examination. This concerned me and I went in for an urgent appointment. The lump was an enlarged lymph node that showed cancer on the biopsy later that week. I was devastated and numb but very glad that I had paid attention to my gut feeling and continued my self-exams and caught my cancer at Stage 3.

How did you feel when you first received the diagnosis of breast cancer?

Hearing a cancer diagnosis is very traumatic. It comes with complex feelings including fear of dying, grief, anger and sadness. My mind was flooded with worries about my family and my health. The first few weeks after the diagnosis were the hardest because all of sudden it felt like my life stopped in its tracks and the whole world around me seemed uncertain and blurry. Eventually, I decided to go public with my diagnosis and that was amazingly helpful. Although a lot of people didn’t completely understand the emotions I was going through, they reached out to me in ways they could. Talking openly about my anxieties and fears helped validate them and made it possible for me to be accepting of my cancer diagnosis. I was able to own my diagnosis and turn it into strength by helping others and advocating for them. With this goal in mind, I joined hands with the Ford Warriors in Pink as their Model of Courage with our combined mission to give more good days to other survivors and get the message out that it is possible to have good days despite dealing with cancer.

What message would you like to provide women in the community about breast cancer?

No one knows your body better than you. It’s important to know it well. I cannot stress enough the importance of breast self-exams. What you can notice about your body may not be detected by a mammogram. Have faith in yourself. Ask questions. Advocate for your health and well being. Being kind to yourself is one of the your most important obligations in life. Women often get too busy taking care of others in their life but only those who care for themselves are the ones who can care effectively for others. Spend time doing things that you love. Cancer is a hard path to walk on but it can be done as long as you believe in yourself and keep fighting the fight. It’s okay to feel sad and discouraged at times, those are your feelings but try to not let them take over and remember, asking for help is an act of courage.